ACC to require success course for first-time college students

Beginning this fall, many students who come to Austin Community College with fewer than 12 successful college credits will be required to take a success course.

Students with declared majors will take a 1- or 2-credit course their first semester. Those who haven’t declared a major will be classified as general studies majors, and will take a 3-credit course.

“First-year success courses are increasingly common at colleges and universities nationwide, and an abundance of research points to the positive impact these courses have on persistence rates and student success,” says Dr. Charles Cook, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs.

ACC’s Academic and Campus Affairs Council first approved a required seminar for first-time-in-college students last summer. At its February 6 meeting the council voted to further define who must take the course and specified that it will carry credit, making it eligible for financial aid.

Dr. Cook says the college hopes to tailor some success course sections for certain majors so students can receive career-specific information and connect with others in their area of study.

Details about the success course, including training information for potential instructors and plans for a phased-in implementation will be communicated in the coming weeks.

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